Micron Unveils its New 3D Flash Memory Product for Industry Apps

Highlighted for its reliability in applications spanning virtualization and cloud storage to media streaming, Micron’s new 5200 series solid-state disk (SSD) offers triple-level cell (TLC) 3D NAND flash using the same architecture and controller as its predecessor.

The company claims its new 3D SSD can outperform an entire rack of 24 10K RPM hard drives three-fold. It leverages a power-saving feature called FlexCapacity that adjusts its output to meet the demands of the application's current workload.

The 5200 SSD uses the same 6 Gbit/second SATA interface as its previous 5100 version so it can be deployed without a requalification process. Micron chose to stick with the same capacity ranges rated most popular by customers using the 5100, offering storage up to 7.68 TB. While the past 5100 series used a 32-Layer TLC, and came in Eco (high capacity), Pro, and Max (longer endurance) versions, the new series comes in just Eco and Pro versions, but customers can still purchase the 5100 Max if their application requires higher endurance.

"We simplified the server qualification process by leveraging the same foundational architecture that's currently available on Micron SATA SSDs," says Derek Dicker, VP and GM of Micron's storage business unit. "Customers can trust the same proven controller and firmware design while taking advantage of advanced flash media for better performance, quality of service, and value."

The product is being distributed by companies including ASI, Avnet, CDW, Ingram, Microland, WPG-Americas, and Synnex.